Five-star tented suites overlooking the watering point
Bush Lodge is discreetly positioned at the top of an open valley in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, where each tented-and-thatched suite looks straight onto a busy watering point under big-sky views. Eight suites in total — each with its own secluded viewing deck and intimate plunge pool — let you stay close to the bush without leaving privacy behind.
Inside, hot-and-cold air conditioning, an atmospheric fireplace, a large oval bath, and romantic alfresco double showers create a proper bush retreat. The lodge is graded 5-star by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, with spa, room service and a 24-hour front desk. A Family Tent option sleeps four — suiting multi-generational stays without compromising the lodge’s adult-feel ambience.
Inside Bush Lodge
Rooms & suites
King / Twin Rustic Safari Tent
Sleeps 2 · King or twin configuration · En-suite · Private plunge pool · Alfresco double shower · Atmospheric fireplace · 6 suites available
Rustic Safari Family Tent
Sleeps 4 · Family configuration · En-suite · Private plunge pool · Children 12+ welcome · 2 family tents only
Experiences at Bush Lodge
Twice-daily Big 5 game drives are included every night of your stay, conducted by a qualified ranger and tracker. Boat cruises and bush walks can be added on request.
- Twice-daily Big 5 game drives
- Watering-point viewing from your private deck
- Boat cruises
- Guided bush walks
- Sundowner stops in the bush
- Private plunge pool on every suite deck
- In-house spa
- Atmospheric in-suite fireplace
- Alfresco double showers
Facilities
- Private plunge pool on every suite deck
- Spa
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
- Bar & lounge
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Hot-and-cold air conditioning
- Atmospheric in-suite fireplace
- Alfresco double shower
- Large oval bath
- Laundry service
- Free + secured parking
- Daily housekeeping
Best time to visit
Amakhala's dry winter months (May–September) are best for game viewing and pleasantly cool for kids on game drives. Summer (October–March) brings warmer weather, lush landscapes, and South African school-holiday crowds.
May – September
- Cooler, kid-friendly temperatures
- Animals gather around the watering hole
- Quieter — fewer guests overall
- Pack warm layers for morning drives
October – March
- Warmer days perfect for the pool
- Newborn animals everywhere
- Busier over SA school holidays
- Book early for Dec–Jan and Easter
Reviews
“The kids didn't want to leave. They saw elephants from the pool — actual elephants — and the rangers were endlessly patient.”The Hendrickson family · TripAdvisor
“Great value for what you get. Three Big 5 sightings in two days and the food was excellent.”Marko D. · Google
“Romantic, restful, and the bush sounds at night from the deck were unreal. The plunge pool sealed it.”Sarah T. · Feedback Co
Policies & practicalities
Check-in / Check-out
From 13:00 · Out by 11:00
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Pets
Pets not allowed
Smoking
Non-smoking property
Booking lead time
Bookings need to be made at least 1 day in advance
Cancellation policy
- 60+ days before arrival — no forfeit
- 46 to 60 days — 10% of deposit forfeited
- 31 to 45 days — 50% of deposit forfeited
- 3 to 30 days — 75% of deposit forfeited
- 2 days or less — 100% of deposit forfeited
Your full cancellation terms appear in the booking widget before you pay and on your booking confirmation email. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Questions about Bush Lodge
What's included in the rate at Bush Lodge?
Your rate includes accommodation in a tented-and-thatched suite, breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, selected house beverages, Wi-Fi throughout the property, and twice-daily Big 5 game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with a qualified ranger and tracker. A conservation levy of R210 per adult and R105 per child under 12 per night is added on top, effective for stays from 1 October 2023.
Is Bush Lodge a 5-star lodge?
Yes — Bush Lodge is graded 5-star by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, with corresponding facilities: spa, 24-hour front desk, room service, free Wi-Fi throughout, hot-and-cold air conditioning. Each of the eight tented suites has its own secluded viewing deck with a private plunge pool, an atmospheric in-suite fireplace, a large oval bath, and an alfresco double shower.
Is Bush Lodge family-friendly?
Yes for older children and teenagers — Bush Lodge welcomes children aged 12 and up. Of the eight tented suites, two are Rustic Safari Family Tents sleeping four (one parent-config + children/teens); the other six are King or Twin tents sleeping two adults. Families with children under 12 should consider Woodbury Lodge (children 6+) or Leeuwenbosch Country House (all ages) on the same reserve.
How do I get to Bush Lodge?
Bush Lodge is approximately 65 km (45 min drive) from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) along the N2 towards Grahamstown — the first Amakhala sign on the right-hand side. Self-drive is straightforward and the lodge will share directions on confirmation. Airport transfers can be arranged through African Safari Group on request.
What activities are included?
Twice-daily Big 5 game drives are the headline activity, conducted in open 4x4 vehicles with a qualified ranger and tracker. Boat cruises, guided bush walks, sundowner stops, watering-point viewing from your private deck, and time at the in-house spa round out the stay.
Is there a conservation levy?
Yes — Amakhala Game Reserve applies a conservation levy on top of the room rate. As of 1 October 2023 the levy is R210 per adult per night and R105 per child per night. The fee supports anti-poaching, ranger employment, and community projects on the reserve. Final per-night totals shown in the booking widget include this levy.
What is the cancellation policy?
60+ days before arrival — no forfeit. 46 to 60 days — 10% of deposit forfeited. 31 to 45 days — 50% of deposit forfeited. 3 to 30 days — 75% of deposit forfeited. 2 days or less — 100% of deposit forfeited.
